Non-bailable warrant out, Tejpal in Goa today, arrest imminent

Shoma Chaudhury resigns from Tehelka, apologises to NCW

NEW DELHI/PANAJI: The Goa Police late Thursday obtained a nonbailable warrant from a court against Tarun Tejpal, accused of raping a junior colleague, after the Tehelka editor-in-chief failed to appear before them by the stipulated time of 3pm.

Tejpal, whose request for time till Saturday was rejected, said he would present himself before the police on Friday.

Asked if Tejpal would now be arrested, DIG OP Mishra said, “The next logical step is that… investigation is proceeding as per legal protocol.”

Earlier in the day, Tejpal, 50, withdrew his anticipatory bail petition from the Delhi high court — which was to hear it on Friday — saying he would “approach the appropriate court for appropriate remedy”. He can still apply for the same from another court.

Non- bailable warrants are issued against an accused if he fails to respond to summons or bailable warrants. “This will help strengthen the prosecution’s case in the event of the accused making an anticipatory bail application in court,” said Bombay high court lawyer Shyam V Marwadi.

The police had on Wednesday issued summons asking Tejpal to present himself before investigating officer Sunita Sawant at the crime branch in Dona Paula. His request seeking an extension was received by Sawant at 12pm Thursday and rejected. Tejpal then wrote in the evening that he would report for investigation on Friday and assured the police of his “full cooperation”.

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